A new chapter in the post-apocalyptic horror saga is on the horizon, with the highly anticipated British film 28 Years Later being filmed primarily using the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The production, which took place over the summer, utilized the smartphone as the central camera, complemented by additional gear such as aluminum cages and lens attachments to enhance its capabilities.
Reports suggest that Apple may have provided technical support for the film’s production. 28 Years Later serves as a continuation of the storylines from 28 Weeks Later (2007) and 28 Days Later (2002), set in a post-apocalyptic UK overrun by zombies. The protagonists of the film are on a mission to survive and reach their destination in a chaotic, ravaged world.
The original 28 Days Later was notably shot in 480p using a Canon XL-1, a consumer-grade camcorder that recorded footage onto MiniDV tapes. The choice of this camera was symbolic—portraying an accessible, everyday tool that anyone could potentially use in the midst of an apocalyptic disaster. At the time, the idea was that ordinary people wouldn’t have access to high-end professional cameras to document a crisis of this magnitude.
In a twist of modern filmmaking, WIRED magazine reported that a paparazzi photo from the set of 28 Years Later reveals the use of an iPhone 15 Pro Max. The outlet confirmed with sources from the production that the smartphone was indeed employed for filming key scenes.
The decision to use an iPhone harks back to the original film’s ethos of using non-professional equipment to tell the story. Acclaimed cinematographer Anthony Mantle, an Oscar winner, is collaborating with director Danny Boyle on the film. While a release date has yet to be officially announced, 28 Years Later is expected to hit theaters on June 20, 2025.
This upcoming film is also rumored to be the first in a new trilogy penned by screenwriter Alex Garland. Fans of the series will be excited to hear that Cillian Murphy, the breakout star of the original movie, is also expected to return.
Although the iPhone has consistently proven its ability to capture cinematic-quality video, particularly in the hands of skilled directors with large budgets, the raw, gritty aesthetic of 28 Days Later—which was achieved with a standard-definition camcorder—played a significant role in its appeal. Whether the sleek, modern iPhone with additional equipment can replicate the same visceral feel remains to be seen, but it certainly adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming production.
